Electric-circuit-controlling appliance



April 15, 1930.

J. SACHS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE Filed Feb, 3,

1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 fiw/ ntoz" 5/0550]? 555 75 "51 K1 flaw ttarnsy April 15, 1930.

J. SACHS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fil ed Feb. 3, 1927 A ril 15, 1930. JQSACHS 7 ,75

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE Filed Feb. 1927 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jim/Q7202" Jasgp/y 555/25 April 15, 1930. J. SACHS I 1,754,445

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE h1 5nt0n-J05 Z7 550/75 flttarngy .p t d Apr. 1 .1939

PATENT "OFF- c]:-

' JOSEPH SACHS, OF WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT mncrnic-cmcmr-conrnottms APPLIANCE bpplication filed February a, 1927. Serial no. $5345.

A circuit controlling appliance of the type to which the invention is applicable may include fuse receiving contacts combined with r a switch device, but as to certain bases of the 5 invention I do not limit mysel to fuse receiving contacts. The invention is especially applicable to a fused switch comprising a base spaced from a rear supporting wall and carrying fuse contacts at the front thereof 7 10 and also comprising a switching device located between the supporting 'wall and the rear plane of the base. The switching device preferably includes a sliding membermovable parallelly with the supporting 'wall, but

16 as to some of its features, the invention is not cabinet, whether or not associated with a meter, may be and preferably is, provided with a cover normally covering thefuses and co-operatively related or interlocked with the switching device, so that the cover cannot be moved to open position when the switch is closed, and so that the switch cannot be closed when the cover is open.

One object of the invention is to provide a circuit controlling appliance of the type specified wherein the movable switching member is entirely free for lateral adjustment with respect to the stationary switch contacts, being controlled as concerns such adjustment solely by thesa-id contacts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit controlling appliance of the type specified wherein the switch device is lwated behind a plane throu h the rear parts of the fuse contacts or behind the plane of the rear face of the ba'se'and wherein the station- 59 ary contacts of the switching device are mounted directly upon the rear support, being so mounted entirely independently of the base.

A further object of the invention is to proyide an appliance of the type specified wherein the fuse contacts, and the fuse base when provided, are connected with the rear su port y means of supporting elements mec 'anically separate from the contacts and base'and from the support. i

Another object of theinvention isto 'rovide a' fused switch of the type descri ed, wherein the base carrying the. fuse contactshas normally connected with it, at the rear, elements which serve not only to carry parts of a switching device located at the rear of the base but also serve to hold the base in spaced relationship with a rear support.

Another object of the invention is to rovide'a fused switch of the type descri ed, wherein the insulation carrying the conducting Parts comprises two separate members, one being an insulating base at the front carrying the fuse contacts and the other being an insulating supporting device at the rear connected in spaced relationship with the fuse carrying base and adapted to be secured to a rear supporting wall, and wherein there. is provided a switching device located between the two insulating members and including a sliding switching member.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fused'switch of the type described, having means for supporting the fuse block at the front of the switching device in such a manner that the fuse block can be moved or detached in order to permit free access to the switching device. a

i A further object of the invention is to pro-. I vide a switchofthe type disclosed in the said copending application so arranged that the slidable switching member may beremoved in a forward direction.

'of the enclosing cabinet and the operating handle being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the appliance shown in Fig. 1, this View being taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1 and also showing the covers for the cabinet and for the fuses.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail view of one of the holding devices for the fuse block.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the removability of the fuse block and'of parts of the switch device.

" Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but showing an alternate means of connection between the fuse block and the supporting elements therefor.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary front View similar to Fig. 1, but showing an alternate supporting means for the fuse block.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1, the construction shown being exactly the same as that shown in Fig. 1 except that a different fuse block has been substituted.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 1010 of Fig. 9, and also showing the cover for the cabinet.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are fragmentary sectional views similar to Fig. 10, but showing alternate fuse contacts and fuse bases.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 14, but with the fuse block removed.

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of the appliance shown in Fig. 14, this View being taken along the line 1616 of Fig. 14. and also showing the covers for the cabinet and for the fuses.

order that other parts may be more clearly shown.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary bottom view of the appliance as shown in Fig. 19, this view being taken along the line 20-20 of Fig, 19,

. Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of Fig. 19.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of Fig. 19.

In each of the several embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, there are two pairs of fuse contacts and two separate switching devices, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to-any particular number of fuses and switches. The fuse and switch contacts are shown symmetrically disposed with respect to the vertical central plane of the appliance, and for the sake of convenience and simplicity of description, I will describe in detail only those parts on one side of the said plane, it being understood that the parts on the other side are. or may be, the same in construction except for reversal of positions.

The fused. switch construction shown in Figs. 1 to 5 will be first described. Fuse receiving contacts 1 and 2 are provided, and means are provided for supporting these contacts in fixed spaced relationship to a rear support. When there is an enclosing cabinet this support may be the rear wall of the cabinet. The fuse contacts as shown are adapted for receiving a cartridge enclosed fuse such as F, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited for use with fuses of this particular type.

In addition to the main rear support, I prefer to also provide an independent insulating supporting device which is ordinarily secure-d to the main rear support but which is nevertheless separate therefrom. This supporting device is shown at 3 in the drawings and may comprise a single block, bar or plate of insulating material, or it may comprise two separate bars spaced apart as hereinafter described in detail. When such a separate supporting device is provided, the fuse contacts are also normally held in fixed spaced relationship therewith.

Preferably, a plurality of supporting elements are provided which are connected at their forward portions with the fuse contacts and at their rear portions with the main rear support, preferably indirectly by means of the separate supporting device 3. The elements therefore serve to support the fuse contacts in the described relationship with the 4 said rear support. As shown, there are four such supporting elements represented at 4, 4 and 5, 5 these having their front portions connected directly or indirectly with the fuse contacts 1 and 2, and having their rear portions connected with the supporting device3 by means ofscrews 6, 6. The supporting ele ments 4, and 5, 5 are shown as being U' shaped,'but as to this there may be wide varia tion. In this way the fuse contacts and the supporting device are held in fixed spaced relationship with each other, these parts together with the supporting elements and other associated parts constituting a unit which can, if desired, be secured to or removed from the rear support without disturbing their assembled relationship.

Located in the space behind a vertical plane extending through the rear parts of the fuse contacts '1 and 2 is a switching device. As concerns some of the broader features of the invention, the switching device may be varied widely as to type and as to details of construction; but, preferably and in accordance with other features of the invention, the switching device comprise tvgo or more stationary switch contacts and a switching element which is rectilinearly movable substantially parallelly with the aforesaid vertical plane and with the front face of the support.

As concerns some of the broader phases of the invention, the location and mounting of the stationary switch contacts can be varied, but, preferably and in accordance with other phases of the invention, at least one of the said switch contacts is mounted directly upon and electrically connected with one of the supporting elements 4 or 5 which element is electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts 1 or 2. Preferably and as shown, two switch contacts 7 and 8 are mounted upon and electrically connected with the-supporting elements 4 and 5 respectively, which elements are electrically connected respectively with the fuse contacts 1' and 2. By means of these switch contacts 7 and 8 the circuit may be broken at both sides of the fuse as will presently appear.

Preferably the fuse contacts 1 and 2'are supported or mounted on the supporting elements indirectly by means of an insulating member such as a base 9, which base serves as a means for separating the. fuse contacts from the switch device. The two fuse contacts 1 and 2 are accessible from the front and are preferably mounted directly on the front face of the base 9. Suitable means such as screws 10, 10 are provided for mechanically connecting the supporting elements t, etand 5, 5 with. the fuse base 9, the screws extending through holes 10, 10' in the said base. These screws 10, 10 preferably also serve to electrically connect the fuse contacts with the respective supporting elements, but I do not necessarily limit myself to the use of the same screws or other holding means for providing both mechanical and an electrical connection. As already stated, at least one of the stationary contacts of the switchingdevice is mounted directly upon one of the supporting elements or 5. V

From the foregoing description, it will be observed that I have provided a single base 9- same elements which carry the switch contacts alsoserve as supporting elements for the entire base andthe parts directly connected therewith. When the switching do w vice is of the type set forth inmy aforesaid copending application, each of the said switch contacts 7 and 8 is one of a pair. The other contacts of the pairs are shown at 11 and 12 respectively and they are similar respectively to the contacts 7 and 8 but in opposed relationship. In referring to the opposed relationship of the switch contacts of each pair I mean that the said contacts are similarly disposed with respect to the path of movement of the switching member and are at opposite sides thereof, but I do not mean to indicate by the said expression any of the details of construction of the contacts. Contacts supporting elements 13 and 14 are provided for the contacts 11 and 12, these preferably being similar 'to the main supporting elements 4 and 5 and being similarly secured to the supporting device 3, as by screws 15, 15. The contact supportin elements 13 and 14 also carry, respective wire connecting terminals 16 and 17 each adapted for the connection of either an incoming circuit wire or an outgoing circuit wire. I have shown terminals of the solder lug type, but I do not so limit myself.

For establishing or breaking electrical connection between the switch contacts of the said pairs 7, 11 and 8, 12, I provide for each pair a switching element which is rectilinearly movable substantially parallelly with the front face of the supporting device and with the rear face of the fuse base. When there are two pairs of stationary switch contacts application. When the stationary switch contacts are located as shown, the said fiat insulating element 20 is arranged perpendicu larly to the supporting device and to the fuse The insulating ele-.

"shown. Thedetails of the switching member may be as shown in my said copending base. The said element may extend into the said-fuse base respec- From the foregoin description, it will be\ apparent that when t 1e switching member 1s in the on position, as shown in Fig. 1, a circuit will be established from the wire connecting terminal 16 through the contact supporting element 13 and the switch contacts 11, 18 and 7, to the supporting element 4 and thence to the fuse contact 1. Similarly a connection is established from the fuse contact 2 through the supporting element 5 and the switch contacts 8, 19 and 12 to the contact supporting element 14 and the wire connecting terminal 17. When the switching member is moved upward from the position shown in Fig. 1, the elements 18 and 19 will be disengaged from the stationary switch contacts and circuit will be broken at two points at each side of the fuse, thus making a total of four breaks. The insul'atingelement 20 of the switching member serves not only as a carrier for the contacts 18 and 19, but it also serves as a carrier which is moved between the opposite stationary contacts immediately upon the disengagement of the corresponding movable contact 18 or 19 therefrom. Although the switching member is guided between the base 9 and the supporting device 3 and is held by these parts against forwardLor backward movement, it is entire- 1y free to adjust itself laterally to conform to t e positions of the several stationary switch contacts. If there are any defects in the initial construction or mounting of these stationary contacts or in the subsequent adjustment thereof, the switching member will conform thereto and will at all times effect firm engagement with the contacts and will establish effective electrical connections therewith. It will be obvious'that inasmuch as the stationary switch contacts are properly spaced to be engaged by the conducting elements 18 and 19 of the switching member. they will be normally out of engagement with the insulating element 20 of the switching member when the said member is in its off position. In the off position the switching member is entirely free for lateral movement, which lateral movement is limited by the saidstationary switch contacts.

When there are two switching devices as shown and described, there may be provided an insulating bafiie plate 23 located between them. This is shown as being held in slots in the supporting device and in the-fuse base.

I donot narrowly limit myself to the exact mounting and location. of the stationary switch contacts, but 1 prefer and have shown them as located respectively beyond the top and bottom edges of the fuse base, so as to be readily accessible from the front. porting elements 4 and 5 extend downward and upward from the fuse base and then extend rearward, and the contact supporting elements 13 and 14 are similarly constructed and located. The location of the said con- The suptacts above and below the fuse base leaves them exposed for convenient inspectlon and cleaning without the necessity for disassembling any parts of the appliance. Recesses 24+24; may be provided in the edges of the fuse base 9 to facilitate inspection and cleaning. The stationary switch contacts are connected with the corresponding supporting elements by means of screws 25, 25 which permit the contacts to be easily removed for replacement, if necessary.

It will be observed that the various parts thus far described are all normally connected, directly or indirectly, with the base 9 and that these various parts together with the base constitute a fused switch unit which can be separately handled or stocked by the manufacturer independently of any enclosing cabinets, and which can if desired be installed and used without any such cabinets.

Preferably, however, the fused switch unit described is enclosed in a casing or cabinet, this ordinarily being so" constructed that it can be sealed so as to prevent unauthorized access to any of the parts, excepting in some cases the fuse contacts. In Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5, I have shown an enclosing cabinet 26 of sheet metal having a rear wall 27, side Walls 28, 28 and end'walls 29, 29. The cabinet has an openable front cover'30, which is shown as being hinged at 31 to the bottom end wall 29. Suitable means such as a spring latch 32 is providedfor holding the cover in closed position and a seal 33 may be provided for preventing the opening of the cover except by breaking the seal. The unit as a whole is secured to the rear wall 27 of the cabinet by means of screws 34, 34 engaging the supporting device 3.

A means is provided for operating the switching member or members and when there is an enclosing cabinet, such as 26, the said means includes a handle located externally of .the cabinet so that the switch can be operated when the cabinet is closed. The cabinet may be utilized as a means for supporting the switch operating means and as shown, there is an operating spindle comprising a rod 35 including two pivot sections 36 and 37 ex-' tending through bearing openings in theside walls 28, 28 of the cabinet. The said rod is bent to form a manually operable handle 38 outside of the cabinet and also to form a crank section 39 inside of the cabinet and between the'pivot sections. The crank section is operatively connected with the movable switch-member. Preferably, the cabinet is provided with a member 40 secured thereto adjacent the handle, this section serving as a stop to limit the movement of the handle in both directions.

I provide a suitable operative connecting means between the swinging crank section 39 and each of the rectilinearly movable switching members. Preferably this connecting i scribed. The slot 41 is shown as being near means is so constructed as to permit the assembl or disassembly of the insulating element with or from the operating means and the cabinet by the simple act of moving the insu:

lating element rearward or forward. For this purpose, I have shown in each insulating element a slot 41 adapted to receive the crank section 39. The slot 41 is preferably open at one end, that is, at the'back end, so as to facilitate assembly or disassembly as dethe middle of the insulating element, and

when the slot is so located the operating spindle is located between the two pairs of stationary switch contacts. This location is distinctly advantageous for the reason that a considerable economy of space is thereby effected, and for the further reason that the spindle cannot in anyway interfere with the wires connected with the several terminals.

The bafiie plate 23 is provided with an open-- ing 23' to provide clearance for the crank section 39 of the spindle.

From the foregoing description, it will be obvious that by moving the handle 38 each of the switch members can be moved longitudinally upward or downward, as desired. With the handle 38 in its uppermost position assho'wn in Figs. 2 and 3, the switching members will be held in their lowermost positionsas shown in Figs. 1 and 3, thus completing the circuit through the appliance. When the handle 38 is movedto its lowermost position, as shown at 38' in Fig. 3, the switching members willbe moved to their uppermost positions, thus separating the movable contacts 18 and 19 from the stationary contacts 7 11 and 8, 12 respectively and thus breaking each-leg of the circuit at four points as already fully described.

When it is desired to place the crank section 39 of the operating spindle very close to the contacts, the said crank section may be surrounded by insulating material in order to avoidany possible short circuits. This insulating material may vary as to'details', but I I have shown a round tube 42 which may be longitudinally split along one side in order to permit its assembl along the spindle. It will be understood t at theslot 41 is wide enough to receive not only the crank section of the spindle but also the tube 42 on the said section. I do not herein claim the switch mechanism including a tube or other insulation surrounding the cranked portion of the "spindle as this subject matter is set forth and claimed in my copending application for switch operating mechanism, Serial No. 365,520 filed May 23, 1929 as a continuationin-part of my aforesaid application Serial No. 153,966. i

It is sometimes preferable to permit access to the fuses and fuse contacts when the main and cabinet cover, is closed and sealed and'forl this purpose. the said cover is shownaslbeing provided with an opening 43 through which the said fuses and contacts are accessible. The relationship between the cover and fuse base 9 is such that the base serves to entirely close the said opening when the 'cover is in closed position. As shown, the cover is flat and is provided with a depressed portion 44 Y which terminates at the said opening 43 and the base 99 is provided with an extension 45 which surrounds the fuse contacts and fuses and which engages or approximately engages withthe cover depression 44 when the cover is in closed position. Preferably, a part of the extension 45 projects through the opening 43 so as to positively prevent the insertion of wires or other conductors through the opening into engagement with live parts within the cabinet. .1 preferably provide a cover for the opening 43 and I further preferably so construct the parts that the fuse cover cannot be opened when the switch handle 38 is in the position corresponding to the closed position of the switch and so' cover 46 is slidably mounted between thesaid parts. The said fuse cover 46 is provided with a knob 49 which serves as a means for moving the fuse cover and which also serves as a stop for limiting the movement of the said cover in either direction. Fig. 2 shows the cover 46 in its left hand closed position.

It will be observed that when the fuse cover is in closed position and the handle 38 in the switch closing position, the said handle directly obstructs the cover and prevents the opening movement thereof. When the fuse cover is in its open position having been moved to the right from the position shown in Fig. 2, the said cover directly obstructs the handle 38 and prevents its movement to switch closing position. The specific construction and inter-relationship as herein described between a sidewise opening cover and a switch operating handle are not claimed as part of the present invention, these being set forth in my patents for enclosed fuse switches,

Nos. 1,721,493,1,721,494,1,721,495 all issued July 16, 1929. I

The supporting elements 4, 4 and 5, 5 have been described as connected with the fuse base 9. The base may be rigidly and permanently connected with these elements if so desired, but I prefer to detachably connect it or at least movably connect it, so that it can be moved or removed from the normal position in order -to permit free access to the switching device. In Figs. 1 to 5, the fuse base is' shown as being so mounted that it can be completely detached from the supporting 5 elements by merely unscrewing the screws 10, 10. Preferably in order that the contacts 1 and 2 may be retained upon the fuse base when the base is detached, each of the screws carries a washer 50 located in a recess 51 in the block. The washer may be entered in a groove 52 in the screw as shown in Fig. 4. It will be obvious that as the screw 10 is withdrawn from the supporting element the washer 50 will move forward in the recess 51, but that the washer will engage the front surface of the recess to prevent complete withdrawal of the screw, thus holding the fuse contact in place on the base.

In accordance with one phase of the invention, the movable member of the switching device is adapted to be freely removed from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction. This feature of the invention is particularly advantageous when the switching member is a rectilinearly movable one such as already described. When the member is removed, the stationary switch contacts may be more easily inspected or cleaned and the conducting contacts 18 and 19 may be. more readily inspected or cleaned. As concerns the forward removability of the switching member, I do not necessarily limit myself to the other details of the construction which I have shownand described. In fact, 85 I do notnecessarily even limit myselfto a fused switch, as it will be obvious that the advantages incident to the removability of the switching member will be present irrespective of whether fuse contacts are or are not also provided.

Various means may be provided for holding the switching member against forward movement during normal operation, but for nevertheless permitting its removal in the forward direction when desired, and I do not limit myself to any one such means. I prefer to provide a movable-or removable guide memer for normally engaging-and guiding the movable switching member; and when there is a movable or removable fuse base as already described this may also serve assuch a guide member, The fuse base when in place as described normally engages the forward edge of thelswitching member to hold it and guide it for rectilinear movement; but when the fuse block is removed, the rectilinearly mov-I able switching member is entirely expose d and is entirely free'to be removed in a for? ward directibn'L'In this connection it will 50 be observed that the slot 41 is opentoward 5 ability of boththe'fuse base and the switching members. This view shows the base 9 en- 'is I shown at 10.

tirely removed from the other parts of the appliance, the screws 10 having been unscrewed from the supporting elements 4, 4 and 5, 5. With the fuse base 9 removed the slidable switching members are no longer supported or held at the front and are therefore free to be withdrawn in the forward direction. It will be understood that these switching members will be ordinarily moved to-the 01f position before being withdrawn. An inspectionof Fig. 5 shows that when the fuse base is removed all parts of the switching devices are visible and freely accessible for inspection, cleaning or adjustment, this being true Whether the slidable switching members are or are not withdrawn. However, by withdrawing the said switching members, the inspection and cleaning of the several switch contacts is still further facilitated.

Fig. 5 also illustrates the fact that when the fuse base and the sliding switching members are removed the remaining parts of the switching appliance can be easily assembled with or removed from the cabinet and the operating spindle. In the initial assembling of the appliance the operating handle-is ordinarily put in place in the cabinet 'before the switching mechanism is put in place. With the fuse base, the sliding switching members i and also the baffle plate 23 removed, it is an easy matter to insert the supporting device 3 with the attached parts under the operating spindle, the said supporting device being .in that the fuse block is so mounted that it may be readily removed by direct manual action and without the use of tools. Instead of providing means such as the screws 10, 10

for providing both anelectrical connection and a positive mechanical connection with the supporting elements, I have provided frictionally acting resilient devices of which, one

form of a screw'which serves to hold the corresponding fuse clip 2 in position, this screw engaging and being held by anut 53 located in he recess 51. The reargend of the screw 10" y is split as shown at 54fand-it normally enters p'a'nd engages the si esf'dfan unthreaded hole formed in the corresponding supporting ele- The element 10 is in the ment 5. Thus the element 10"serves to estab- I lish an electrical connection between the fuse contact andf the corresponding supporting element carrying the corresponding stationary switchcontact, but'no pos1t1ve mechanical connection is provided, the fuse block-being free to be manually removed in\ a forward direction. In order to avoid the necessity of depending entirely upon the frictional engagement of the elements 10 with the corresponding supporting elements for holding the fuse block'in place, I prefer to provide additional means normally serving to positively hold the fuse block against forward movement. When the cover of the cabinet is constructed and arranged as already fully described, the cover serves as such a means as clearly shown in Fig. 6. The cover serves when closed to positively prevent removalof the fuse block, but nevertheless when open leaves the fuse block free to be readily removed as described.

Instead of relying upon the cover of the cabinet for holding the fuse base in place as shown in Fig. 6, other means may be provided for positively holding or supporting "the said fuse base, such means being additional to the elements 4, 4 and 5, 5. Obviously the supporting elements 13, 13 and 14, 14 as shown in Figs. 1 and 5 might be used for this purpose or supports might be carried by the side walls of the cabinet, but in order to further illustrate the scope of the invention, I have shown in Figs. 7 and 8 an independent supporting device 55, it being understood that two such devices would ordinarily be used. The device comprises a metallic strip bent to the shape shown and suitably secured to the supporting device 3 as, for instance, by means ofscrews 56, 56. Screws 34", 34 are shown for securing the entire appliance to the back wall of the cabinet. The fuse base 9 is similar to the fuse base 9, but is provided at each side with an extension 57 which is adapted to engage the supporting corresponding element 55. This extension is connected with the supporting element by means of screws 58, 58.

It will be apparent that in the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the primary functions of the elements 4, 4 and 5, 5 is to support the corresponding stationary switch contacts and to provide electrical connection with the corresponding fuse contacts. These elements have no essential function as supports for the fuse block, the said block being entirely supported by the elements 55. The electrical connection between the fuse contact 1 or 2 and the corresponding supporting element 4 or 5 may be' and preferably is by means of an element such as 10*, as shown in Fig. 6. In this case the supporting elements need not actually be in abutting engagement with the block, but may be separated therefrom.

In accordance with one phase of the inven tion, I provide interchangeable fuse blocks so that any one of several fuse blocks adapted'for holding fuses of different electrical characteristics. may be connected with the other parts of the appliance without any changes in the said parts. In Figs. 9 and 10 I have illustrated a construction which is identical with that shown in Figs. 1 to 5, in so far as the parts at the rear of the fuse block are concerned. I have, however, shown a longer fuse base 9, this base carrying fuse contacts 1 and 2, constructed and spaced for receiving a fuse F longer than the fuse F and having different electrical characteristics. Each of the fuse contacts is held in place on the base by means of a screw 59 and each of them is provided with an extension 60 having a hole therein which registers with a hole 61 corresponding in position to the corresponding hole 10' in the 'base 9. Screws 10, 10 extend through the respective holes 61 and engage the corresponding-supporting elements 4, 4 and 5, 5 in the manner already described.

The fuse base 9 is considerably longer than the fuse base 9 and accordingly a cover 30 is provided having an. opening 43 corresponding-in length to the length of the fuse base 9. The construction of the main cover and of the auxiliary cover 46 is or may be exactly the same as already described except for the difference in the vertical dimensions as shown.

This provision for the interchangeability of the fuse blocks, and of the cabinet covers when necessary, makes it possible for the manufacturer to conveniently build up complete appliances adapted to conform to different electrical conditions,'as for instance, different voltages. The rear parts of the appliances constituting primarily the switching devices and the supporting devices can be standardized and can be manufactured and placed in stock independently of the fuse with any desired fuse blocks and the cabinets can be supplied with covers corresponding to the fuse blocks. Even after-assembly, the manufacturer or the customer can easily remove one fuse block and substitute another.

It may be found desirable to avoid the necessity for providing different cabinet covers to conform to different fuse blocks. This may be done by providing a plain cover without an opening therein or by. changing the fuse base construction as shown in Fig. 11. In this figure, I have shown a' fuse block construction adapted for holding a fuse F, but it will be observed that the fuse base 9 shown has the same longitudinal dimensions as the in Fig. 17, and the wire connecting terminals necting these the means for securing interchangeability. As illustrated, the supporting element 5 is provided with a second threaded hole near the upper end thereof, this hole being adapted to receive the screw 10 which projects through a hole in an upward extension on the fuse COIiElJ aCt 2 adapted to receive a short fuse such as For the sake of simplicity of illustration, I have, in Figs. 9 to 12, shown only screws for holding the fuse blocks in place. It will be understood, however, that connecting elements such as 10 shown in Fig. 6 may be used instead of the screws 10, 10,thus making the blocks freely removable and further facilitating the removal of one block and the substitution of another if desired. Such a construction is illustrated in Fig. 13, wherein there is shown an element ,10 engaging a contact 2 for a long fuse such as F.

In Figs. 14 to 18, I have shown a construction which is the same in principle as those shown in Figs. 1 to 13 but which never-' theless differs in several important details. The fuse base 9 is substantially the same as the fuse base 9, but the supporting elements 4*, 4 and 5 5 are somewhat different, in that they are Z-shaped as shown in Fig. 17, instead of U-shaped as shown in Fig. 3. The

supporting elements 13 and 1 1 for the switch contacts are also similarly shaped, as shown 16 and 17 are located at the rear ends of the supporting elements'13 and 14 instead of near the forward ends thereof. The several stationary switch contacts 7 8 11 and 12 are riveted to the corresponding supporting elements instead of being connected thereto by screws as already described.

The supporting device, instead of comprising a single block or plate, comprises two separated bars 3 3 of insulating material, the aforesaid supporting elements being secured to these bars respectively. It will be observed that the base 9 serves, together with the supporting'elements, as a'means for conars 3, 3 in normally fixed relationship.

When the slots the insulating elements of the switching members are located between the contact elements thereof as shown,

the-"operating spindle is located between .the

said bars 3 3 and the corresponding sup-' porting elements thereon. The construction of the rear supporting device in the form of the two spaced bars 3 3 makes it possible'for the said rear supporting device and all parts carried thereby to constitute a unit which may be bodily assembled with or re moved from the supporting wall and the operating spindle.

It maybe desirable to provide means additional to the base for connecting the said.

insulating bars 3 35, and I have shown for this purpose two vertical straps 62, 62. The

the bars in order to secure the entire appliance to the rear support, that is, to the rear wall of the cabinet. A sheet 65 of insulating material may be positioned to extend along the back wall of the cabinet between the two bars- 3 3 As shown this sheet extends back of the said bars so as to be held thereby.

Instead of mounting the operating spindle in apertures'in the side walls of the cabinet, the said straps 62, 62 may be bent as shown at 66, 66 to provide bearings for the pivot portions of, the spindle. When the spindle is thus mounted. the actionof the rectilinearly movable switching members is reversed, the uppermost positions being the on positions and the said members moving downward to the off positions. It will be observed that the straps 62, 62 extend in front of the spindle and therefore do not interfere with the assembly or removal of the fused switch unit. In Figsrl l to 18 I have avoided, for the sake of simplicity, any showing of freely removable fuse blocks or of interchangeable fuse blocks; but it will be understood that these features may be combined with the other features shown in these figures.

In Figs. 19 to 22, I have shown a construc- :tiOIl which is similar in many respects to that shown in Figs. 14 to 18, but which difl'ers primarily in that provision is made for the protective association of the enclosed appliance with an electric meter and that provision is also made for the testing of the meter. In view of the similarity of the construction to that shown in Figs. 14. to 18, it will not be necessary to repeat the description of all of the details, it. being obvious that except as hereinafter described the constructions. are similar, diflfering only in relative proportions.

The switch mechanism differs-from that shown in Figs. 14 to 18 in that the operatingspindle is mounted on the side walls of the' cabinet as shown, in Figs. .1 to 5. This being the case, the straps 62 forming bearings for the spindle as shown in Fig. 18, are preferably omitted, the two bars being otherwise connected as will presently appear. A sheet 63 of insulating material is provided. The

fuse, base 9 may be removably held in place by means of screws such as the screws 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 5. However,I have shown it as being held in place by means of frictionally acting resilient devices 10 such as shown in Figs. 6 and 13, and described in detail in connection therewith. It will be understood that when devices '10 are pro- '5 are provided with unthreaded holes to re ceive the said devices. It will further be un-- derstood that with the frictionally acting connecting devices as shown the base is freely removable manually whenever the main cover is open. With the main cover closed, however, the base is held in place by the said cover.

Provision may be made for the use of interchangeable fuse blocks as fully shown in Figs. 9 to 12 and as described in detail in connection therewith. In Figs. 19, 20 and 21 I have shown in full lines a base 9 and in Fig. 19 I have shown by dot-and-dash lines a base 9 such as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. It will be understood that the base 9 and the base 9 may be used interchangeably as already fully described.

As shown in Fig. 19, the cabinet 26 has its upper end wall 29 provided with an opening therein adapted to receive and approximately fit the terminal portion of an electric meter M. With this construction, the cabinet 26 serves not only to enclose the fused switch, but also to enclose the terminal portion of the meter together with the connections between the meter and the said fused switch.

In addition to the parts already described, I have provided means for facilitating the testing of the meter. The details of the testing means may be varied according to the conditions of use. For three wire service I preferably provide testing means for each of two legs of the circuit, each means comprising at least one movable test link adapted to be included in the circuit between the meter and the load wires and adapted to be so moved as to disconnect the meter from the load wires while testing is being carried thus permitting the base to be removed as already described without disturbing the testing means. The testing means may be variously located but I have shown two insube described in detail.

lating members 67 for supporting them, these members being at the sides of the fuse base 9. Only the member at the left hand side is shown.

vOrdinarilyand preferably, the incoming circuit wires S, S are connected with the terminals 16, 16 and as shown a neutral wire S is also provided- The circuit extends from these terminals 16*, 16 through theswitch and fuse parts in the manner already described to the terminals 17", 17*, these latter terminals being connected with the supporting elements 14 and 14* in a manner to The said terminals 17*, 17 are indirectly connected with the outgoing or load circuit wires through the meter M, connections O and C extending from the said terminals 17 and 17 to the meter. Other meter connections C and G extend fromthe meter Mto wire connecting terminals 68, 68 mounted on the blocks 67, preferably near the outer edges thereof. The outgoing circuit Wires L, L are connected directly with terminals 69, which terminals are connected respectively with the terminals 68, by means of movable testing links 70. The testing links 70 are of a well known construction, each link being slotted near its ends and thus adapted to receive studs 71 and 7 2 connected respectively with the terminals 68 and 69. It will be seen that by removing the links 70, the circuit may be broken between the said terminals 68, 68 and 69, 69.

The blocks 67 are supported upon'the main supporting device,in this case the insulating'bars 3, 3* in part by extensions 73 on the supporting elements 14 and in part by supplemental supporting elements 74. Screws 75, 75 serve to connect the supporting element 74: with the insulating bars 3, 3 Other screws 76, 76 extend through unthreaded holes and serve to connect the entire appliance to the rear wall of the cabinet. The blocks 67 are connected with the su porting elements 74 by means of screws 77.

Preferably, in addition to the testing links 70, 70 I provide other similar links 78, 78 interposed between the terminals 17 17", and the corresponding switch contact supporting. elements 141*. As already stated each element 14 is provided with an extension 73. At the front of each block is a short con- The said testing link 78 is connected with the stud 81 and with a similar stud 82 connected with the terminal 17 In addition to the removable links 70 and 78, I also provide contacts adapted for the attachment of a short circuiting connection from each switch contact supporting element 14: to the corresponding terminal 69. For this purpose, I utilize the before-mentioned stud 80 and a similar stud 83 connected with the said terminal 69; A link 84 may be provided as shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. 19 for connecting the said studs 80 and 83.; It will be seen that when the links 84 are in place, the circuit will extend directly through the switch and fuse to the terminals 69. It v is then possible to either partly or entirely disconnect the meter by removing some or all of the links 70 and 78. v

The specific combination of meter testing devices with a circuit controlling appliance such as herein shown and described does not of itself constitute a part of the present invention, being set forth and claimed in my copending application for electric meter service appliance Serial No. 247,730, filed January 18, 1928, as a division of this present application.

As already described, the terminals'16", 16

are preferably used for the incoming circuit wires and the terminals 69, 69 for the outgoing circuit wires. However, the appliance is operative even though the installing workmen should by reason of carelessness or ignorance attach the incoming wires to the terminals 69, 69 and the outgoing wires to the terminals 16, 16 Inasmuch as the circuit is broken at both sides of the fuse, the fuse contacts are entirely disconnected from the incoming line when the switch is open. Furthermore. with the connections made as last described, it is possible to test the meter substantially as already described, the principal difference being that the links 78 are .used, instead of the links 70 for disconnecting the meter from the outgoing circuit wires.

1 n l have shown each of the several embod1- ments of the invention herein disclosed as having direct electrical connections between the two fuse receiving contacts and the corresponding switch contacts, these connections being initially included in the appliance and forming permanent parts thereof. It will be understood, however, that as concerns certain phases of the invention, I do not neces sarily limit myself to these two initially included and permanent connections. It will be obvious that, if desired, one or both-of these connections may be omitted and that one or both of the fuse contacts and the corresponding switch contact or contacts may be otherwiseelectrically connected, without however, eliminating or in any way interfering with the other functions and advantages of the invention as already described.

What I claim is:

1. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of stationary switch contacts electrically insulated from each other when the switch is open and respectively having opposite parallel contact faces facing toward each other, and a switching member movable substantially rectilinearly between the said contacts and comprising an insulating element having opposite parallel surfaces and a contact element carried by the insulating element and having opposite parallel contact faces spaced laterally outward from the respective planes of the opposite surfaces of the insulating element and adapted upon recti-' linear movement to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connec tion between them, the said switching member when in the off position being entirely free for limited lateral movement perpendicular to the planes of the said contact faces and when in the on position being controlled as concerns lateral adjustment solely by the stationary switch contacts.

2. In an electric switch, the combination of a rear supporting means having a forward facing surface, stationary switch contacts carried by the supporting means in normally fixed spaced relationship therewith and having opposed contacts surfacesgfacing toward each other and arranged perpendicularly to the said surface of the said means, and a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising a relatively thin flat insulating plate arranged substantially perpendicularly to the said surface of the supporting means and extending into close proximity thereto so as to be guided in part thereby and also comprising a conducting element with opposed flat contact surfaces carried by the insulating plate and spaced from the said surface of the supporting means, the said conducting element being movable between the contact surfaces of the switch contacts to make and break electrical connection through the switch when the switch member is moved rectilinearly as aforesaid and the said member as an entirety being freely adjustable laterally except as guided by the said stationary switch contacts.

3. In an electric switch, the combination of two stationary switch contacts electrically insulated from each other when the switch is open and respectively having oppositely facing parallel contact faces, an insulating plate movable between the said contacts and provided with'a slot therein extending transversely of the direction of movement and having continuous opposite edges, the said plate being freely movable laterally except as limited by the said stationary switch contacts, a contact element carried by the insulating plate and having opposite parallel contact faces serving upon movement to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connec-- tion between them and also serving to determine the lateral adjustment of the insulating plate and of the said contact element, and an operating member pivoted for movement about an axis perpendicular to the plate and having a crank portion extending into the said slot, the said operating member serving to move the plate and contact element but permitting free lateral adjustment thereof member to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts of the respective pairs to make and break electrical connection between them, the said switchfaces so as to be controlled as concerns such adjustment solely by the stationary switch contacts.

5. In an electric switch, the combination of a plurality of similar pairs of stationary switch contacts having the contacts of each pair electrically insulated from each otherwhen the switch is open and respectively having opposite parallel contact faces facing toward each other, an insulating element movable between the contacts of the said pairs and having opposite parallel surfaces and provided with a transverse slot, an operating member pivoted for movement about an axis parallel to the said surfaces and having a crank portion extending into the said slot,

a plurality of spaced contact elements carried by the insulating element and respectively having opposite parallel contact faces spaced laterally outward from therespective planes of the opposite surfaces of the insulating element and adapted upon movement of the insulating element by the operating member to engage and-disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts of the respec tive pairs to make and break electrical connection between them, the said insulating element with the contact elements thereon when in the off position being entirely free for limited lateral movement perpendicular to the planes of the said contact faces and when in the on position being controlled as concerns lateral adjustment solely by the sta' tionary switch contacts.

6. Inan electric switch, the combination of a rear su porting means having a forward facing sur ace, a plurality'of similar. pairs of switch contacts-carried by the said supporting means in normally fixed relationship therewith, the contacts of each pair being electrically insulated from each other when the switch is open and respectively having oppositely facing parallel contact faces, and a switching member movable rectilinearly between the contacts of the said pairs and comprising a relatively thin flat insulating plate having opposite parallel guiding edges and also comprising a plurality of spaced contact elements carried b the insulating element and respectively aving opposite parallel contact facesadapted upon movement of thevswitching member to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts of the respective pairs to make and break electrical connection between them, the said switching member having guiding engagement at the rear with the said su porting means and the said member being ree forlateral adjustment perpendicularly to the said contact faces so as to be controlled as concerns'such adjustment solely by the stationary switch contacts.

nation of a rear su port, a pair of stationary fuse contacts in ront of the support and spaced therefrom, a pair of stationary switch contacts carried directly by the support adjacent the front face thereof and behind the plane of the rear parts of the fuse contacts, one of the switch contacts being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, and a switching member rectilinearly movable behind the said planethrough the. rear parts of the fuse contacts and having guiding engagement with the rear support, the said switching member being adapted upon rectilinear movement to engage and disengage at least one of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connection between them.

8. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base in front of the support and spaced therefrom a pair of fuse contacts on the base, a pair of stationary switch contacts at the front of the support and behind the plane of the rear face of the base and carried directly by the support independently of the base, the said contacts respectively having oppositely facing parallel contact faces spaced away from the support and one of them being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, a relatively thin flat insulating plate rectilinearly movable between the said switch contacts with the opposite flat faces thereof substantially perpendicular to the front face of the rear support and-the rear face of the base and with the edges thereof in guiding engagement with the base and the support, and a contact element carried by the insulating plate and having opposite parallel flat contact "faces respectively adjacent the opposite surfaces of the said late, the said faces of the contact element being adapted upon rectilinear movement to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connection between them.

9. In a fused switch appliance, the combi nation of a rear support, a pair of fuse contacts in front of the support and spaced.

.therefrom,'a pair of stationary switch contacts carried directly by the support at the front thereof and behind the plane of the rear ioo parts of the fuse contacts, the said switch I contacts respectively having oppositely facmg parallel contact faces perpendicular to the said front face of the support and oneof the said switch contacts being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, and a switching member rectilinearly movable between the said switch contacts-and comprising a contact element adapted to engage and disengage the contact faces of the two stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connection between them, the

said switching member being in guiding en- 7. In a fused switch apphance, the combigagement with the front face of the support and being entirely free for lateral adjustment parallelly with the said face so as to be controlled as concerns such lateral adjustment solely by reason of the said engagement with the switch contacts. Y

10. In a-fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a pair of fuse contacts in front of the support, and spaced therefrom, two pairs of switch contacts carried directly by the support at the front thereof and located behind the plane of the rear parts of the fuse contacts, the switch contacts of each pair respectively having oppositely facing parallel contact faces and one of the said contacts of each pair being electrically connected with the corresponding fuse contact, and'a switching member rectilinearly movable between the contacts of the said pairs and comprising an insulating element having opposite parallel surfaces and a plurality of spaced contact elements carried by the insulating element and respectively having opposite parallel contact faces spaced laterally outward from the respective planes of the opposite surfaces of the insulating element and adapted upon movement of the switching member to engage and disengage the contact faces of the stationary switch contactsof the respective pairs to make and break electrical connection between them, the said switching member when in the off position being entirely free for limited lateral. movement perpendicular to the planes of the said Contact faces and when in the on position being controlled as concerns lateral adjustment' solely by the stationary switch contacts.

11. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a pair of stationary fuse contacts in front of the support and spaced therefrom, a plurality of elements mechanically separate from and connected with the fuse contacts and with the support for supporting the said contacts in fixed spaced relation with the said support, a pair of stationary switch contacts carried directly by the support adjacent the front face thereof and behind the plane of the rear parts of the fuse contacts, one of the switch contacts being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, and a switching member rectilinearly movable behind the said plane through the rear parts of the fuse contacts and having guiding engagement with the rear support, the said. switching member being adapted upon rectilinear movement to engage and disengage at least one of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connection between them.

12. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base in front of the support and spaced therefrom,

a pair of fuse contacts on the base, a plurality of elements mechanically separate from and connected with the base and with the support for holding them in fixed spaced relation, a pair of stationary switch contacts at the front of the rear support and behind ,the rear plane of the main body of the base, the

switch contacts being carried directly by the rear support independently of the base and one of them being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, and a switching member rectilinearly movable between the said base and the said support and having guiding engagement with the latter, the said switching member being adapted upon rectilinear movement to engage and disengage at least one of the stationary switch contacts to make and break electrical connecthe last said supportingelement, a movable switching element normally engaging the.

said stationary switch contacts to establish acircuit through the appliance, and means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or re-established.

14. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted on the base, a plurality of elements located behind the plane of the rear face of the base and normallyconnected with the base for supporting it in spaced relation with the said rear support, one of the said elements being electrically connectible with one of the fuse contacts, two stationary switch contacts located behind the plane of the rear face of the base with one of'them mounted directly upon and electrically connected withthe last said base supporting element, a movable switching element normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for movbase, a plurality of elements located behind the plane of the rear face of the base and normally connected with the base for supporting it in spaced relation with the said rear support, one of the said elements bein electrically connectible with one of the use contacts, a pair of stationary switch contacts located behind the plane of the rear face of the base with one ofthem mounted directly upon and electrically connected with the last said base supporting element, a rectilinearly movable switching element normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching element approximate y parallelly with the rear face of the base to disengage it from both of the stationary contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or ire-established.

16. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base,

a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted on p the base, a plurality of elements located behind the plane of the rear face of the base and normally connected with the base for supporting it in spaced relation with the said support, two of the said elements being normally. electrically connected respectivelywith the fuse contacts, two pairs of switch'contacts located behind the plane of the rear face of the base with one contact of each pair mounted directlyupon a corresponding base supporting element, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and each normally engaging the said switch contacts of the'corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approxiinately parallelly with the rear face of the base to disengage the conducting elements thereof from all of the switch contacts or to reengage them therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance-is broken or re-established at four points.

17. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base,

a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted on the base, a plurality of elements located be hind the plate of the rear face of the base and normally connected with the base for supporting it in spaced relation with the said rear support, one of the said elements being normally electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, a pair of stationary switch contacts located behindjthe plane of the rear face of the base with one of them mounted directly upon and electrically'connected with the last said base supporting element, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and 'a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance. the insulating element of the said switching member engaging at its front with the said base so as to beheld and guided thereit therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or reestablished.

18. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear insulating supporting device adapted to be detachably secured to a rear supporting wall, a pair of fuse receiving .contacts, a plurality of elements mechanically connected with the fuse contacts and with the insulating supporting device for supporting the said contacts in fixed spaced relation with the said supporting device, one of the said supporting elements being electrically connectible with one of the fuse contacts, two stationary.switch contacts located behind the lane of the rear parts of the fuse contacts with one of them mounted directly upon and electrically connected with the'last said supporting element, a movable switching element normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or I to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or re-estabthe base and with the supporting device for holding them in normally fixed spaced relation, two stationary contacts located in the space between the plane of the rear face of the base and the plane of the front face of the supporting device, one of the said switch contacts being electrically connectible with one of the fuse contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching element normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, and having guiding engagement at the rear with the said supporting device, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching element approximately parallelly with the aforesaid planes to disengage it from both of the switch contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or reestablished.

'with the base and with the supporting device for holding them in fixed spaced relation, two of the said elements being normally electrically connected respectively with the fuse contacts, two pairs of stationary switch contacts arranged with one contact of each pair mounted directly upon a corresponding supporting element, two wire receiving terminals supported independently of the baseand electrically connected respectively with the other contacts of the said pairs, a rectilinearly movable switching member located between the base and the supporting device and comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and each normally engaging the said switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the rear face of the base to disengage the conducting elements thereof from all of the switch contacts or to re-engage them therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or re-established at four points.

21. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted on the base, an insulating supporting device spaced rearward from the said base and adapted to be secured to a rear supporting wall, two supporting elements normally connected directly with the base and with the supporting de vice for holding them in fixed spaced relation, the said elements being normally electrically connected respectively with the fuse contacts, two other supporting elements projecting forward from the insulating support ing deVice and respectively adjacent the first said supporting elements, two pairs of sta tionary switch contacts arranged with one contact of each pair mounted respectively on the first said supporting elements and with p the other contact of each pair mounted respectively on the second said supporting elements, two wire receiving terminals supported independently of the base and electricallv connected respectively with the second said supporting elements, a rectilinearly movable switching member located between the base and the supporting device and comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and each normally engaging the said switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the rear face of the base to disengage the conducting elements thereof from all of the switch contacts or to reengage them therewith whereby the circuit through the appliance is broken or re-established at four places.

22. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a switch device located at the front of the support and comprising two stationary contacts and a movable switching element normally engaging the contacts to establisha circuit between them, means for moving the switching ele ment to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken or re-established, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts on the base, and means serving to support the base upon the said support in normally fixed spaced. relationship therewith and in front of the switch device,

them, means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken or reestablished, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts on the base, and means serving to detachably and removably support the .base upon the said support in normally fixed spaced relationship therewith and. in front of the switch device and also in and of itself serving to electrically connect one fuse contact with onestationary switch contact when the base is supported upon the support as aforesaid, the said means permit.- ting free access to the switch device from the front when the fuse base and the contacts carried thereby are removed.

24. In a fused switch appliance, the com bination of a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements projecting forward from the support, a switch device located at the front of the support and comprising two stationary switch contacts and a movable switching element normally engaging the contacts to establish a circuit between them, means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to ire-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken or re-established, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts on the base, and means for detachably and removably mounting the base upon the said supporting elements in normally fixed spaced relationship with the support and in front of the switch device and for also electrically connecting one fuse contact with one stationary switch contact when the base is mounted upon the supporting elements as aforesaid, the said means permitting free access to the switch device from the supporting elements pro]ecting forward from the sup ort, a switch device located at the front of t e support and comprising two stationary switch contacts and a movable switching element normally engaging the contacts to establish a circuit between them,

one of the stationary switch contacts being mounted directly upon and electrically con- ,nected with one of the supporting elements, means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken or re-established, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts on the base, and means for detachably and removably mounting the base upon the said supporting elements in normally fixed spaced relationship with the support and in front of the switch device and for also electrically connecting one fuse contact with the supporting element carrying the stationary switch contact when thebase is inounted upon the supporting elements as aforesaid, the said means permitting free access'to the switch device from the front when the fuse base and the contacts carried thereby are removed.

26. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a plurality of sup- 7 porting elements'projecting forward from the support, a switch device located at the front of the support and comprising two stationary switch contacts and a movable switching elementnormall engaging the contacts to establish a circuit etween them, means for 40 moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to re-engage 1t therewith whereby the circuit is broken or re-established, an

insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts on'the base, and frictionally acting resilient means for detachably and removably mounting the base upon the said supporting elements in normally fixed spaced relationship with the support and in front of-the .switch device and for also electrically connecting one fuse contact with one stationary switch contact when the base ismounted upon the supporting elements as aforesaid, the said means permitting ready removal of the fuse base by direct manual action and also permitting free access to the switch device from the front when the fuse base is removed.

'27. In an enclosedfused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet, a switch device 6 located in the cabinet adjacent the rear wall thereof and comprising twostationary switch u contacts and a movable switching element normally engaging the contacts to establish a. circuit between them, means for moving the switching element to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken 'or re-established, an insulating base, a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted on the base, frictionally acting resilient means base with the cabinet in normally fixed spaced relationship with the rear wall thereof and for detachably andu'emovably connecting the .70 I

in front of the switch device and for also electrically connecting one fuse contact with one switch contact when the base is supported upon the support as aforesaid, the said means permitting ready'removal of the fuse base by direct manual action and also permitting free access to the switch device from the front when the fuse base is removed, and an openable front cover for the cabinet having an opening therein providing access to the fuse contacts when the cover is closed, the said cover when closed substantially contacting with the fuse base and prevenitng removal thereof. I

' 28. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, an insulating base at the front ofthe support and in normally fixed spaced relation therewith, 'a pair of fuse contacts on the base, a switch device located at the front of the support and behind the plane of the rear face of the base, the

.said switch device comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts supported independently of the base and a'- switching element rectilinearly movable between the stationary switch contacts to normally engage them and establish an electrical connection between them, means for rectilinearly moving the switching element approximately paral- -lelly with the front face of the support to disengage it from at least one of the stationary switch contacts or to re-engage it therewith whereby the circuit is broken or reestablished, and means for detachably and removablysupporting the base upon the said support in the position aforesaid and for also electrically connecting one fuse contact with one stationary switch contact when the base is supported upon the support as aforesaid, the said means permitting removal of the base independently of any parts of the switch device so as to provide free access to the switch device from the-front.

. 29. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements projecting forward from the support, a switch device located at the front of the support and comprising a pairof opposed stationary switch contacts and a switching element rectilinearly movable. be

tween the stationary switch contacts to normally engage them and establish a connection between them, one of the stationary 

